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Exxon Quits Koch-Backed Business Group After Climate Change Row

(Bloomberg) -- Exxon Mobil Corp. quit the American Legislative Exchange Council, a lobbying group bankrolled by fossil fuel companies, following a disagreement over climate-change policy.

The oil giant won’t be renewing its membership after it expired in June, spokesman Scott Silvestri said by phone. Exxon had a public spat with ALEC in December when some members backed by climate skeptics such as the Heartland Institute moved to convince the federal government to drop its claim that climate change is a risk to human health.

Exxon’s departure comes amid a corporate exodus by the likes of Ford Motor Co. and Expedia Group Inc. departed, largely in response to ALEC’s positions on climate rules, renewable energy and other issues.

Late last year, Exxon was among the companies that objected to a measure debated by ALEC meant to encourage states to prod the Environmental Protection Agency to rescind its Obama-era determination that climate change requires regulation.

“The American Legislative Exchange Council values partnership with Exxon Mobil and stakeholders across the business community,” the group said in an email on Thursday. “We have valued Exxon Mobil’s work and leadership with ALEC on STEM education, among other issues.”